Rampaging youths turn common into a mess

YOUTH annoyance is raging in Milnrow and Newhey, it’s been claimed, despite a reduction in reports to police. Members of the Milnrow and Newhey Residents’ Association have voiced concerns about youths causing annoyance and intimidation to residents in late-night drinking sessions at garages in Highfield.

YOUTH annoyance is raging in Milnrow and Newhey, it’s been claimed, despite a reduction in reports to police.

Members of the Milnrow and Newhey Residents’ Association have voiced concerns about youths causing annoyance and intimidation to residents in late-night drinking sessions at garages in Highfield.

They have also reported a string of attacks on bus shelters and the destruction of Smith Hill common, which they claim was churned into a mudbath by joyriders.

Councillor Denis Whittle said: "The common was an absolute mess, some of the tyre tracks were four inches deep. Children use the common to play football, cricket and rugby, but these joyriders have spoiled it for others."

A local elderly Smith Hill resident added: "It’s a mess, these people are mindless yobs and it upsets me so much. This is such mindless destruction."

But while the residents raised concerns that there wasn’t enough police presence in the area to deal with the problems, PCSO Alan Shaw said recent crime statistics have shown a reduction in incidents of youth causing annoyance.

He believed that there was a lack of communication between residents and police and urged residents to report incidents to the police as soon as possible.

He said: "We don’t know about crime if people don’t report it. The more phone calls the better. Resources won’t be available if people don’t call in."

Police have also reported an increase in vehicle thefts in the area with most incidents taking place in Elizabethan Way.